For powder brushes such as eyeshadow brushes, you can clean these every two weeks as they're likely to be less clogged with oils and aren't being swept across the whole face. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your makeup brushes can last for years.
When it comes to storing your makeup brushes correctly, the best way to do so is to store them upright in a container or inside a drawer. Generally, it's not a good idea to store your makeup brushes loosely in a makeup bag as it can spread bacteria and germs and cause damage to them.
it's so important to clean your hair brushes! but how often should you do it? ⁉️ 👉🏻 i recommend doing a deep cleaning about once a month (depending on the amount of products you use).
Makeup artists say makeup brushes should be getting a deep clean every few weeks -- and at least washed once a month. Face brushes (for foundation, concealer or powder) should really be cleaned once a week!
Learn more. Dirty brushes collect sebum and dead skin, and thus become a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause rashes and acne. The American Academy of Dermatology also says that “Dirty makeup brushes can cause an infection, E coli or a staph infection, which can be very serious.”
Another important question is how often to clean makeup brushes. Wipe down your makeup brushes after each use with a makeup brush cleaning solution for a surface cleanse, and then go for that deep clean every one to two weeks—depending on how much you use those specific brushes.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of either gentle shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Using plain soap and water can dry out the bristles. Swirl each brush tip in the bowl. For a good lather, you can also massage each brush tip in the palm of your hand.
Understanding the Lifespan of Makeup Brushes
However, most brushes warrant replacement every two to three years, with heavily-used ones requiring renewal every 6-12 months. Regularly cleansing your makeup brushes is key to prolonging their lifespan. Aim for a weekly washing routine to keep them in optimal condition.
Liquid dish soap can efficiently remove makeup product residue that has already caked. Apply some dish soap to a sponge and wipe your brushes on the soapy sponge. Rinse the brush with lukewarm water, wipe it down with a towel, and then leave it flat to dry.
Makeup artists should avoid double-dipping into product containers, such as lipsticks and mascaras, as this can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the product. Instead, they should use a clean spatula or disposable applicator to apply the product.
Garshick says that dry brushing can be done one to two times a week if you have sensitive skin, as frequent brushing might cause irritation. But if your skin can tolerate it, Bolvary says that it can be a daily practice. She recommends doing it at the start of your day, right before hopping in the shower.
The first sign you may need to wash your brush is when you start to notice gray-like fuzz wrapping around the bristles. According to Trace Henningsen, celebrity hairstylist and Leonor Greyl ambassador, that bit of fuzz is a combination of lint, dust, dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and hair product buildup.
Brushing three times isn't bad, too, if you eat food that sticks between the teeth or leaves a strong aftertaste. Anything more than that, however, can cause more harm than good. Our dental clinic rarely receives cases of overbrushing; we're more likely to treat people who don't brush enough.
One of the best ways to store your makeup brushes is upright, as this will protect them from damage and help them to keep their shape for longer. Organizing them vertically – on somewhere like your dressing table – means they'll always be on hand when you need them too.
After you've cleansed your brushes, to further disinfect and ensure they are thoroughly sterilised, you can also spray the rubbing alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol over the bristles.
Makeup brushes are more expensive than sponges so they are a bit of an investment, but they will last you much longer and they are easier to clean (and more hygienic!) Sponges can be good, if not a little tricky!
3️⃣ A splash of Dawn dish soap – because it's amazing at cutting through oils and breaking down buildup without damaging bristles. 4️⃣ Add warm water to soften the bristles and loosen dried particles.
Makeup Brush Cleaning Don'ts
Don't dry your brushes upright. This can trap water in the base of the brush which can cause rotting of the wood. Lay them flat to dry. Don't allow water to enter the barrel of the handle.
Best Drugstore: E.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo
“It cleans and conditions really well,” she says, and it's effective on even the toughest makeup brush stains (read: foundation and concealer buildup). It's vegan and cruelty-free, and a favorite amongst reviewers, too.
Foundation and concealer
Liquid foundations and concealers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years. Cream formulas fall somewhere in between — about 12 to 18 months.
It's important for your brushes to dry out completely every day, so it's best to avoid stuffing them in a makeup bag or a cramped drawer. A recycled jar or cup is the perfect place to store brushes in an upright position, allowing them to breathe and maintain their shape for the next day.
You could also try using a facial cleanser, like the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, to wash your brushes.
Makeup and oils from your skin combine and build up a residue on your makeup brushes. While you can buy specific makeup brush cleaner, baby shampoo works just as well because it is so gentle. To clean your brushes with baby shampoo, turn on the tap and wet the bristles.